Semai Pudding

Semai pudding, also known as vermicelli pudding, is a delicious and creamy dessert made with roasted vermicelli noodles, milk, and sugar. It is a popular dessert in many South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Here's a recipe for semai pudding:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted vermicelli noodles (semolina or wheat vermicelli)
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust according to your taste)
• 1/4 cup condensed milk (optional, for added richness)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Saffron strands (optional, for garnish)
• Chopped nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, or cashews) for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.
2. Meanwhile, break the roasted vermicelli noodles into smaller pieces. You can do this by pulsing them in a food processor or simply by crushing them with your hands.
3. Once the milk comes to a simmer, add the broken vermicelli noodles to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and let the noodles cook in the milk for about 10-12 minutes or until they become soft and tender.
4. Add the sugar to the saucepan and stir well to dissolve it. If you prefer a richer and sweeter pudding, you can also add condensed milk at this stage.
5. Continue to cook the pudding on low heat for another 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
6. Stir in the cardamom powder to enhance the flavor of the pudding. You can also add a few strands of saffron for a fragrant touch.
7. Once the desired consistency is reached, remove the pudding from the heat and let it cool slightly.
8. Transfer the semai pudding to serving bowls or individual dessert cups. Allow it to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least a couple of hours or until chilled and set.
9. Before serving, garnish the semai pudding with chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, or cashews.
10. Serve the chilled semai pudding as a delightful and creamy dessert.

Semai pudding can be enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence. It is a perfect dessert to be served during festivals, celebrations, or as a sweet treat any time of the year.